Giraffe and okapi
15 species
Giraffes and okapis belong to the family of ruminant even-toed ungulates. Both live in sub-Saharan Africa: the giraffe occurs in the open savannas, and the okapi - in the dense rainforest of the Congo. The two species look very different at first sight, but share a number of common features, including a long, dark-colored tongue, lobed canine teeth, and horns covered in skin, called ossicones.
The social structure and behavior of these two species are markedly different. Giraffes are sociable, whereas okapis live mainly solitary lives. Giraffes are not territorial but have ranges that can dramatically vary between - 5 and 654 sq. km (1.9 and 252.5 sq mi) - depending on food availability, whereas okapis have individual ranges about 2.5-5 sq. km (0.97-1.93 sq mi) in size. Giraffes and okapis are normally silent, but both have a range of vocalizations, including coughing, snorting, moaning, hissing, and whistling. It is also thought that giraffes are able to communicate using infrasonic sounds like elephants and blue whales.
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Giraffes and okapis belong to the family of ruminant even-toed ungulates. Both live in sub-Saharan Africa: the giraffe occurs in the open savannas, and the okapi - in the dense rainforest of the Congo. The two species look very different at first sight, but share a number of common features, including a long, dark-colored tongue, lobed canine teeth, and horns covered in skin, called ossicones.
The social structure and behavior of these two species are markedly different. Giraffes are sociable, whereas okapis live mainly solitary lives. Giraffes are not territorial but have ranges that can dramatically vary between - 5 and 654 sq. km (1.9 and 252.5 sq mi) - depending on food availability, whereas okapis have individual ranges about 2.5-5 sq. km (0.97-1.93 sq mi) in size. Giraffes and okapis are normally silent, but both have a range of vocalizations, including coughing, snorting, moaning, hissing, and whistling. It is also thought that giraffes are able to communicate using infrasonic sounds like elephants and blue whales.
... show more
show less